The Midday Rambler: Using the Old Noggin

After a couple weeks back in the woods, I can say with full confidence that hiking is more my speed. I've reintroduced myself to hiking by staying close to home, exploring every trail inside Buffalo Mountain Park. Before I get into the specifics, I'd be remiss if I didn't tip my cap to the Johnson City Parks & Recreation Department for maintaining such a wonderful array of trails that snake through the 725-acre property. It's amazing to be able to fully immerse yourself in nature just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Johnson City. So why the Midday Rambler? No matter what my work assignment is, it tends to work best for me to step away for a hike in the middle of the day. As for the rambler part, I don't tend to plan which hike I'm going to take until I get to the park. Moving forward, I plan to visit as many hiking trails as I can with the goal of giving you an idea of what you can expect. I'll grade each hike on a scale of 1 to 5 in terms of intensity so you have an idea of what you'll be facing out there. This first hike was my first hike. I rolled into Buffalo Mountain Park, checked the trails and decided I wanted to head up to White Rocks, which offer an amazing view, and The Noggin would take me there after a mere 1.4 miles of hiking. I had no idea what I was in for, but the view from the top was worth every step up the mountain. Hike: The Noggin to White Rocks Location: Buffalo Mountain Park Distance: 2.8 miles The Prep This isn't a very long hike, but it is an absolute bear. I recommend hiking boots or something with ankle support due to multiple creek crossings and the sheer incline of the trail in the middle portion of the hike. You also need to pack plenty of water, and a little trail mix wouldn't be a bad idea. Binoculars are also a good idea, as is some bug spray given the unusually wet conditions we've had this summer. I also recommend using a hiking stick (or two) to help you up and down the inclines. I was never a hiking stick guy, but this hike converted me. The Price The view from the White Rocks is spectacular. I told myself that a couple dozen times along this journey to keep myself from turning around and heading back. The first half mile or so is not all that bad. There isn't a whole lot of elevation change early as you follow the creek back into a hollow in the mountain. It gets a little more intense around the quarter-mile mark when you have to start navigating some serious rocks and a couple of creek crossings. If you are a beginner, this trail offers a scenic half-mile hike option featuring a lot of small waterfalls. All you have to do is turn around when you get to a creek crossing that is too much for you. Once you get to the half-mile mark, the work begins. You leave the creek behind and start your ascent around the six-tenths-of-a-mile mark, and the next three-tenths of a mile are grueling. You'll endure a steep and steady ascent that is probably the most physically intense stretch of hiking you'll find anywhere on Buffalo Mountain. You don't have to climb rocks or take huge steps up, but it is a steady climb. Once you get to the nine-tenths mark, you get some relief, and from here, you're home free. After crossing the service road, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view and a nice place to get some well-earned rest. The Payoff There are a couple payoffs to this hike. The first is the bevy of waterfalls you encounter during the early portion of the hike. The waterfalls lure you onward to the difficult portion, which rewards you with a panoramic view of our region. To your left, you can see Johnson City with the mountains that serve as the doorstep to Southwest Virginia on the horizon. On your right, you can see the natural beauty of Unicoi County all the way to the mountains that lead to North Carolina. Words and pictures can't do it justice. The Verdict Difficulty: 4.2 In many ways, this hike is the best of Buffalo. You get the creek and its many waterfalls, the solitude of the trees in the middle portion of the hike, and a stunning overlook at the end of the trail. It's well worth it, but it isn't easy. My average heart rate on this hike was actually higher than my average heart rate when I was running, if that tells you anything. If you're a beginner, this is something to work up to, but if you want to test yourself and be rewarded for the effort, I highly recommend it. If you have a hike you think I should go on, send me the details at: dongie@sixriversmedia.com.